Jersey reacts with horror as “hateful” graffiti spread across St Helier

The Chief Minister and an equality charity leader were among the many islanders to react with horror this morning after graffiti bearing homophobic and offensive Nazi symbolism appeared on buildings, vehicles and public property across St Helier sparking a police investigation.

Responding to queries from Express, States of Jersey Police officers confirmed that the graffiti had appeared in several locations, including West Park, People’s Park, and Helvetia School – with the first report being made shortly after 7:30.

A spokesperson confirmed: “There are numerous logs regarding offensive graffiti in the area of West Park, People’s Park, Helvetia school, involving vehicles, buildings, structures and general public areas.”

They added that officers are currently logging affected sites, reviewing CCTV footage and identifying potential witnesses or victims.

“Saddening” to see just weeks after Pride

Several islanders took to social media and contacted Express to share their horror at the hateful markings.

It comes just weeks after Pride celebrations were held in St Helier, and a short time after new stats obtained under the Freedom of Information Law revealed that there had been a rise in recorded physical assaults against LGBTQ+ individuals.

Police statistics recently released under the Freedom of Information Law showed that there were 10 incidents of hate crimes in 2024, including six physical assaults.

The 2024 figure was down from 2020, when there were 19 incidents – but up from 2023, when there were two. In 2021 and 2022, each year saw 12 incidents recorded.

Kaye Nicholson, CEO of LGBTQ+ charity Liberate, said the graffiti reflected the kind of abuse still faced by marginalised groups on the island, though she noted that this was not “reflective of our entire community in Jersey”.

She said: “In the same week that the statistics of local LGBTQ+ hate crime have been highlighted in the media, it is saddening to see that hate symbols and messages, designed to cause upset and distress, have been graffitied in public spaces.”

“I condemn them in the strongest possible terms”

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Lyndon Farnham said he was “deeply disturbed” by the graffiti.

“These acts do not reflect who we are as a community, and I condemn them in the strongest possible terms,” he said.

“Jersey is an inclusive, tolerant, and respectful society. There is no place here for messages of hate or division. Such behaviour not only damages property, but it attempts to undermine the very values that bind us together: mutual respect, dignity, and compassion,” Deputy Farnham continued.

“This kind of cowardly and destructive act will not be tolerated. I am confident that the States of Jersey Police will investigate these incidents thoroughly, and I urge anyone with information to come forward.

“Now more than ever, we must stand together as a community, united in our diversity and proud of the strength it brings. Let us respond with resolve to protect and uphold the inclusive spirit that defines our Island.”

Lack of hate crime legislation

Dedicated hate crime legislation, which is also expected to cover abuse online, has been in the pipeline for many years, but is yet to come before the States Assembly for approval.

Ms Nicholson said the daubings around town were evidence of the need for hate crime legislation, “in order to deter acts such as this from happening, and offer legal protection and recourse to all minority and marginalised individuals when they encounter harrassment, discrimination and abuse”.

She added: “During Pride month, we witnessed a fantastic display of allyship and support across our Island. Calling out hateful acts, discriminatory language and prejudice remains necessary as we continue together to build a society where everyone has a sense of safety and belonging.”

“We are a small local business doing our best”

Among the locations to be targeted – inside and out – were a series of Rebecca Loos portaloos along Victoria Avenue.

Describing the graffiti was “extremely disappointing”, owner Camryn Le Fustec explained that this would hit the local business hard “right in our busy season where every toilet counts”.

“We are a small local business doing our best. This is extremely offensive and also costs us time and money to put right. What is going on with this island at the moment and all the vandalism? I couldn’t be more disappointed in Jersey than I have come to be over the past two years.”

Clean-up underway

The Infrastructure and Environment Department said it had been notified and is working to clean the sites.

The Parish of St Helier has also confirmed to Express that is aware of the vandalism and is in the process of removing the graffiti.

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